United Nations approves military intervention in Mali

The United Nations Security Council has authorized the deployment of foreign troops to help reunite Mali, but is demanding efforts toward political reconciliation, elections and the training of the army.

Council members voted unanimously Thursday to approve the resolution aimed at restoring peace, protecting human rights and removing a terrorist threat from that African country.

Mali’s Foreign Minister Tieman Coulibaly called the decision a historic step that will help restore power to Mali’s legitimate government.

French Ambassador to the U.N. Gerard Araud said the European Union will support efforts to stabilize Mali and look for donors to help finance it.